What is the Best Time to Visit Fiji for your Next Vacation? 

BY  Sibashree Jul 24, 2025

Ever come back from a trip, check your bank balance, and think, “Wait… where did all my money go?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. Traveling’s thrilling, sure, but it’s also sneaky—little costs pile up faster than you’d think. That overpriced airport snack?  The “cute” souvenir you didn’t need? It adds up. But here’s the thing: good budgeting isn’t about saying no to everything—it’s about being smart with your choices so you can actually enjoy yourself without the post-trip regret. So let’s talk about a few easy, real-life ways to track every dollar and build better spending habits while you’re off exploring. You can even use a spending tracker to keep the budget in check.  Start With A Clear Budget So That You Can Track Every Dollar While Traveling Honestly, the easiest way to keep travel spending under control? Plan before you even leave. Otherwise, it can quickly become expensive.  Set a total budget for the whole trip and then split it up—transportation, hotels, food, activities, and that “miscellaneous stuff” (because there’s always something). It’s also smart to include sneaky extras like tips, parking, or baggage fees. I like using a simple spreadsheet or an app for this. Doesn’t have to be fancy—just something you can check daily so you know where you stand.  When you see exactly how much you’ve got for each category, you make way fewer impulsive choices. Plus, you can spend guilt-free when you know it’s part of the plan. That little bit of prep before you leave? It’ll save you from a ton of “uh-oh” moments later. Track Every Dollar During The Trip Here’s the not-so-fun part: write down everything you spend. Yes, even the coffee. It feels like a pain at first, but it gives you a clear picture of what’s really happening with your money.  You don’t have to go old-school with pen and paper—budgeting apps are a lifesaver. They’ll let you log purchases, set limits, and even break down your spending by category so you can see exactly where it’s going. This habit makes you think twice before handing over cash (or swiping). You’ll start noticing patterns—like how quick snacks add up or how that “just one drink” at dinner somehow becomes three. And once you see it in real time, it’s way easier to adjust before things spiral. 1. Choose Affordable Accommodations Wisely Let’s be real: lodging eats up a huge chunk of any travel budget. But you don’t have to blow your cash to sleep somewhere decent.  Try looking at options beyond hotels—hostels, guesthouses, vacation rentals… even budget inns can surprise you. Just compare prices and always read recent reviews (you do not want bedbug drama on vacation). Also, book early when you can. Not only do you usually get better rates, but you also get more options. And don’t ignore the perks—free breakfast, a kitchen, maybe laundry or airport pickup—those little extras save money in the long run.  Sometimes staying slightly outside the city center can cut costs, but make sure you’re not spending that “saved” money on transportation. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between cost, convenience, and comfort. 2. Control Food Expenses Without Missing Out Food is one of the best parts of traveling… but it’s also where budgets go to die. My hack? Mix it up. Eat at restaurants for those “must-try” experiences, but grab at least one meal a day from a market, food stall, or grocery store. Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll get a more local vibe. Oh, and if your place offers free breakfast? Don’t skip it. If there’s a kitchen, maybe cook a meal or two—it’s kind of fun (and saves a chunk of cash). The point isn’t to skip good meals; it’s to save the sit-down restaurant splurges for when they really count. 3. Avoid Currency Conversion Surprises Traveling abroad? Exchange rates can sneak up on you. Don’t change all your cash at the airport—it’s usually the worst rate. Check if your card charges foreign transaction fees, too, because those tiny percentages add up faster than you think. Apps like XE or Revolut can help you track rates and even decide the best time to exchange. And while cards are convenient, always keep some local cash for markets or smaller places. Knowing exactly how much you’re spending in your own currency keeps you from going overboard without realizing it. 4. Stay Away From Impulse Purchases Souvenirs are tempting. Those random little trinkets? Cute… but do you really need them? Probably not. Before you buy something, pause and ask yourself: “Do I actually want this, or am I just in the moment?” Nine times out of ten, waiting a day makes you realize you didn’t really want it. These are impulsive buys we need to avoid! Setting a daily spending cap for fun stuff (shopping, treats, entertainment) works wonders. When you hit your limit, that’s it for the day. It’s not about never treating yourself—it’s about doing it with intention. And honestly, those thoughtful purchases end up being way more meaningful than the random impulse buys. Track Every Dollar While Traveling: It’s Not About Restriction But Avoiding Waste Travel should be about making memories, not stressing over your bank balance. When you track what you spend, you’re not restricting yourself—you’re giving yourself freedom. You know where your money’s going, you cut out the waste, and you get more out of your trip. Whether it’s a quick road trip or the big “dream vacation,” strong money habits make the whole experience smoother and way less stressful. Over time, this stuff becomes second nature… and trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Long-haul flights are dreadful. The stark, urbane terminals and the long nights of tiresome, cram-y seating sure work you up just thinking about it. The flights that roll over to the next morning always have some drama up their sleeves. Then came the rescue team from Taiwan- EVA Air, which is currently one of the 10 Skytrax 5-star airlines in the world. Would you believe it if I told you it was little known even up until a few years back? It was founded in 1989. However, I started hearing about this flight in the early 1990s when my extended family would talk about this new carrier with non-stop flights on B747-400 jets. Back then, it sounded like a story from another realm. I would hear them talk about the aroma of delicious noodles when woken up from sleep by a flight attendant as a late-night snack. I also heard of the very non-conforming Sanrio aircraft that were Hello Kitty Jets, decked out completely from the headrests to the meal cutlery. Everything featured the widely adored character. I finally had the chance to board it. Despite all the different things that this airline was revolutionizing, the most exciting part as a young traveler still remained the all-new cabin category between the economy and the EVA Air business class. This change was surprisingly affordable, and I was willing to upgrade for my 14+ hour flight home. Here I am going to share my experience of flying from New York to Taipei. Stay tuned because you are about to find out the hype behind Eva Air flights and a pretty up-close EVA Air Premium Economy review. The Beginning Of EVA Air Premium Economy Image Source: www.evaair.com The press releases from the airline say that AVA Air’s first trans-Pacific debut took place on December 12, 1992. It had four cabins, which was a first at that time. The four cabins included Super First, Super Deluxe, Economy Deluxe, and Economy. With Economy Deluxe, the airline became the first to introduce an improved economy cabin that is the Economy Deluxe. It became a benchmark for the airline as most others took two to three decades to introduce this cabin to their list of offerings. Recently (last summer), KLM debuted its premium economy. The seat prices are reasonable with business class-like perks. My Taipei experience was very endearing to me because of its convenient pair-up of high quality and affordability. The street food, the stationery, and the convenience stores all added to my love for Taipei. The EVA Air flight was a big cherry on top because all of that now comes in an aircraft. Read More: Here’s What I Found Out About Aha Airlines! A New Version 30 Years Later Image Source: www.evaair.com Three decades since its first flight, I booked the Premium Economy class for my way back to Taipei from NYC. The perks of this flight began even before I boarded it. This airline offers free shuttles from 2 Pennsylvania and 5 New Jersey locations toward JFK Airport. Dallas to Houston Airport also offers a free shuttle service. It has successfully removed one of the biggest issues of international travel, which is simply getting to the airport. I took a $20 Uber to the Jersey City stop, which would have otherwise been a $130 Uber ride all the way to the airport. Being a part of the Star Alliance, I was granted access to the lounge with my United Gold status. It allowed me to upgrade my boarding from Zone 4 to Zone 1. As soon as I got into the cabin, it felt luxurious. They used sweet endearments with my name in Mandarin. They helped me settle in my seat and confirmed my meal selection, which I had previously made online. The seats had a 2-4-2 arrangement, and I had managed to secure a front-row seat, which meant no under-seat coverage but plenty of leg space. On my seat, there were slippers, a water bottle, noise-canceling headphones, and a cozy blanket that felt like a cloud. The blanket was quilted on one surface and had faux fur on the opposite side. How It Went An attendant soon came and gave me an overnight bag. It was a Kipling amenity kit consisting of Hudson Made New York products. It had the brand’s trademark monkey keychain with a scene of Taiwan’s Yilan on the bag. My entire EVA Air flight felt like a warm, pamper session with juice, fruits, and snacks while suspended at 30,000 feet mid air. The breakfast was amazing, with Chinese-style scallop congee with egg & Chinese sausage. There was an option for another Western version that comprised smoked turkey accompanied by cheddar cheese. There was also a “leisure delight” meal in between the meals with BBQ chicken-filled brioche roll. The restrooms were clean, and I can say so because I went three times, and it was clean each time. To clarify, I took a private plane recently that got filthy by the last hour of the flight, which was one-third the duration of the EVA Air. When I took the return journey, I wanted to take things further, getting myself the business class name Royal Laurel. It featured 6.5-foot-long lie-flat seats, a retractable armrest, a cocktail table, and a shoe cabinet. This cabin had a 1-2-1 configuration with dated seats compared to other airlines. EVA Air raised the bar, however, with their Rimowa & Salvatore Ferragamo branded care kit and a complementary Jason Wu pajama set. All the passengers ended up wearing it, and I, too, could not resist it. I wore it all the way home. The plaid duvet was so snug and comfy I asked where I could buy one. At one point, I fell asleep and dreamt of those noodles. But it was not my dream… they did bring noodles in between our slumber, and it just completed the experience all around. Wrapping Up Have you flown EVA Air before or recently? What was your experience like? What do you think about the Premium Economy class? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures! Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines!

BY  Barsha Apr 24, 2023

It’s only normal that you have already heard of big companies like Skyscanner, Expedia, or even Booking.com, for that matter. These are all known as OTAs or Online Travel Agencies. Travelocity sell traveling services, making it relatively more convenient for their customers to plan a vacation with different alternatives from a single platform. With more options, detailed information, and instantaneous booking procedures, OTAs are ideal when you are planning your next trip. While some OTAs provide multiple services, others focus on specific services like vacation rentals and accommodation. Plus, you can also compare rates, especially when you have a strict budget. Travelocity is one such multi-service OTA. Although it’s an established brand, the question is - are they keeping up with its current market competitors? Before you can invest your money in Travelocity, let’s check out all that you need to know about the same. So, What Is Travelocity? The Travelocity website was first launched in 1996 - it is a travel agency online that offers a wide selection of services. The popular Expedia Group, a leading global travel service agency, owns and manages Travelocity. On this platform, you can book car rentals, travel packages, cruises, hotel deals, and flights. Additionally, you can even reserve tickets for various popular attractions, share vacation plans with family and friends, and read engaging travel content. The App: Before you can look for the best Travelocity flights online, let’s find out more about the all-elusive Travelocity mobile app. The app version also helps users to browse as well as manage their reservations easily. Plus, it’s available for iOS and Android services - users automatically get notified about gate numbers and flight status for tracking delays. Additionally, guests can communicate with different hotels by directly messaging via the application. More importantly, guests can also access all their travel data in a single place, even when they are offline. You can easily download the Travelocity app via your Android or iOS devices to ensure that you are able to obtain a convenient experience. What Does Travelocity Offer? Obviously, Travelocity offers so much more than just flights - from exciting Travelocity cruises and accommodations to really great Travelocity car rental services and even entire trip packages, you will get everything on this platform. Stay tuned to find out more! Stays: You can choose your accommodation from a wide selection of resorts, hotels, condominiums, and other types of stays. Flights: You can book airline tickets to your chosen destinations at both standard and bargain rates. Cars: You will find rental cabs and cars offering pickup and drop from/to the airport. Vacation Packages: You can book all-inclusive travel itineraries, including car rentals, accommodation, or/and flights. Travel Deals: You can enjoy discounted offers under travel deals. Activities/Things To Do: You can book tickets and make reservations for popular tourist attractions, exciting experiences, performances, and concerts. Using The Travelocity Platform: The Pros And Cons If you are already looking for ‘flights Travelocity,’ then stop - first, let’s find out the benefits of using this platform. And not just that - we also need to be aware of all the cons that are associated with using Travelocity. So without wasting time, let’s get started! The Advantages Of Travelocity: The advantages or rather the pros of using Travelocity are as follows, It’s a convenient platform - one single platform provides multiple solutions. Users can enjoy a wide range of choices when it comes to planning the perfect vacation. The Travelocity price guarantee is unbeatable, making the app ideal for budget-friendly trips. The Disadvantages Of Travelocity: The disadvantages or rather the cons of using Travelocity are as follows, The customer service provided by Travelocity is definitely not at par with the company’s top competitors online. Plus, customer support is mostly unresponsive. Although the platform promises no cancelation issues, so many customers have complained about the same. Exploring The Travelocity Application: Is Travelocity Legit? Before spending money on the Travelocity platform, it’s best to check out a few Travelocity reviews from Google Play for the most effective results. Stay tuned to find out whether the platform is worth spending your time or money on. Review By Deborah Eddy: “Enjoy using the app. It's easy to use, with lots of choices that are discounted off the airline and hotel websites. Love having one-stop shopping. Had an issue once where I couldn't complete a booking correctly. It took a while to get someone on the phone to help. Don't stop having a live person for 'support' issues.” Review By TMH: “Love this app! It is my go-to travel app. It's easy to use, has great deals, dual-pay options, and easy cancellations. One time I accidentally booked the wrong date for a staycation with my daughters. The Travelocity rep not only canceled my booking without charge but the rep also worked with the hotel to give me an upgraded room that same night at the same price. Amazing!” Review By BM: “Horrible experience all around, with the service. Had to cancel my flight, and I purchased a cancellation policy. Sadly things happen, and plans change. Don't need credit for a future flight, I need my funds back. I had to file a claim, where you have to attach files of everything, then proof of the reason why you cancel. I probably won't get my money back.” Review By Jaleen Martin: “Absolutely love the app! Very self-explanatory and so simple to use. My first go-to app when planning a trip is Travelocity. The only thing I don't care for is when you have to talk to customer service, you can't find a single person who speaks clear English at all. So terribly hard to understand. I hope to see improvement on that part soon.” And It’s A Wrap! And that’s a wrap on Travelocity. Now that you are aware of all the services you can get on this platform, you can go check out individual features, like this rental car services or accommodation options for your next vacation. So, what are your thoughts on using OTAs or Online Travel Agencies for planning a vacation? Have you used this in the past - then feel free to share your experiences mentioned below in the comments.